Synergy Sport + Mental Health is a mental health clinic that focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental health and wellness in competitive and elite athletes. Athletes can experience symptoms of mental illness just as anyone else can- including depression, mania, anxiety, sleep problems, disordered eating, trauma, self harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use disorders, psychosis, and problems with anger management; as well as sport-specific challenges such as recovery from injury or illness, return to sport anxiety, post-concussion mental illness, and sport-specific performance anxiety. Relationship difficulties and philosophical differences between athletes, coaches, and parents can also create challenges that need to be addressed. Athletes may experience mental illnesses that are unrelated to their sport, or become unwell due to sport-related factors (e.g. pressure, stress, injury, concussion, performance, retirement).
The stigma of mental illness also extends to high level athletes. Many people believe that athletes have fewer problems and struggles than everyone else. Members of the public as well as athletes often believe that struggling with mental illness means that they are “weak,” and they choose to suffer in silence, trying to “look tough.” Increasingly, high profile and professional athletes are coming forward to talk about their struggles with mental illness.
At the Synergy Sport + Mental Health clinic, the whole individual is considered in understanding their specific challenges. Their sport history, identity as an athlete, and demands of their sport are included in the comprehensive evaluation of their overall psychological state. Sport- and training-specific factors are of significant importance in understanding the athlete’s struggles, and equally important in establishing a treatment plan.
Sport Psychiatry provides a medical approach to overall understanding of the individual athlete, in addition to the psychological components that contribute to their challenges. This provides the opportunity for medical investigations and medication management if necessary. Medication is not always necessary for treatment, and there are numerous psychological approaches to the management of mental health challenges. Psychologically-based approaches to performance enhancement may also be utilized if desired.
Dr. Carla Edwards is a sport psychiatrist who has been practicing sport psychiatry since 2012. Current practice locations include Synergy Sport + Mental Health (Guelph, ON)-mostly virtual, and at the Toronto Rock Sports Medicine and Wellness Centre (located at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, ON). The target population of the clinic includes competitive athletes in the community, as well as varsity, elite, and professional athletes.
Services provided by Dr. Edwards are covered by the Provincial Health Insurance Plans (for Canadian residents) or through private pay for International patients located in Canada. Uninsured services (such as letter-writing) may require separate payment. Referral from a physician and a valid provincial card are required to access services (for Canadian citizens).
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If you are searching for mental health support that specializes in the specific elements that apply to competitive and high-level athletes, Dr. Edwards can provide this for you. You will experience a comprehensive service that will understand your individual challenges and incorporate the significance of your sport in your assessment and treatment plan. Sport-specific performance enhancement strategies are also available. Let’s focus on active recovery with a new brand of psychiatry: forget the couch, grab a treadmill!
(519) 837-1228
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NOTE: Appointments are available on line or in person at the Toronto Rock Sports Medicine and Wellness Centre
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202-511 Edinburgh Road South
Guelph, ON N1G 4S5
With your mind and body aligned, you will experience a new dimension of clarity, inspiration, passion, and drive.
Synergy Sport + Mental Health